Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Herzing University-Birmingham

Herzing University-Birmingham's allied health certificate puts graduates ahead of most programs nationally, with first-year earnings of $57,114—better than 73% of similar programs across the country. That's $11,368 above the national median and lands graduates just below the 75th percentile nationwide. Within Alabama, the program performs solidly, ranking in the 60th percentile among 19 in-state options, though it trails the state's top program at Cardiac and Vascular Institute by about $3,000.

The standout feature here is the debt load: at just $7,195, graduates owe significantly less than both the national median ($14,167) and Alabama median ($9,500) for this credential. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with roughly six weeks of income. This is an exceptionally low burden compared to most certificate programs. However, earnings show essentially no growth between years one and four—a pattern worth noting if you're evaluating long-term career trajectory. The certificate appears designed to get students into the workforce quickly rather than build toward advancement.

For families prioritizing immediate employment with minimal debt risk, particularly those eligible for Pell grants (64% of students here receive them), this program offers a practical path. The combination of above-average starting pay and exceptionally low debt makes it a manageable investment, even if career progression may require additional credentials down the line.